# U.S. investigates cyberattacks on oil and LNG tankers transiting Strait of Gibraltar

*Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6:08 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-16T06:08:35.123Z (3h ago)
**Category**: cyber | **Region**: Global
**Importance**: 9/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/17958.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: U.S. officials are probing suspected cyber intrusions on at least two foreign oil and LNG tankers that were attacked while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar before heading to the Gulf of Mexico.

Suspected cyberattacks on at least two foreign oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have triggered a joint investigation by U.S. authorities, underscoring how digital threats are reaching into critical energy trade routes.

Officials say the vessels were targeted while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar in August, then continued on to the Gulf of Mexico, where U.S. Coast Guard and FBI teams inspected them after arrival.

According to those officials, the attacks compromised both operational systems on board—used to control functions such as navigation and propulsion—and information technology systems. That mix raises concern that systems essential to safely moving large, fuel‑laden ships were accessed or tampered with.

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and onward to the Suez Canal, making it a narrow passage for energy shipments between Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas. Any sign that attackers are probing tankers in this corridor is likely to matter to ship operators, insurers, and energy buyers, even in the absence of an accident.

Public reporting so far does not attribute the intrusions to any specific state, group, or criminal organization. U.S. authorities haven’t said who they believe was behind the attacks, or whether they see them as tests, one‑off incidents, or part of a broader campaign.

Key developments to watch are whether U.S. agencies issue new cyber guidance for ships transiting global chokepoints, whether flag states or classification societies tighten rules on securing operational technology, and whether investigators eventually name a suspected perpetrator.